How to Claim Compensation for 4th Degree Tear Negligence
Negligent maternity care of a 4th degree childbirth tear may justify a claim for compensation.
Recovering from a 4th degree tear
Recovery from a 4th degree tear during vaginal childbirth is dependent on two things: firstly, that the injury is accurately diagnosed, and, secondly, that a surgeon carries out a competent and effective repair. If either of these actions is not successfully achieved, the new mother may suffer permanent bowel problems and may be entitled to make a claim for compensation.
A failure to provide an acceptable level of care of a fourth degree tear can leave a woman suffering with a variety of life-changing and distressing bowel symptoms including the following:
- Incontinence of wind
- Incontinence of faeces
- Leakage via the vagina if a fistula (or hole) develops between the rectum and the vagina as a result of an unrepaired tear
- Infections of the perineum
What causes a 4th degree tear?
A fourth degree tear can occur due to the pressure on the skin and muscles of the perineum during vaginal childbirth. A perineal tear is not uncommon during childbirth but, if the new mother is particularly unfortunate, she may suffer a severe tear which damages not only the perineum but also causes injury to the anal sphincter muscles which control bowel movement, and the lining of the anal canal.
Women giving birth to a larger than average baby as well as first-time mothers and women who have undergone an instrumental delivery are at a higher risk of a severe tear.
If a woman does suffer a 4th degree tear, it is essential that medical professionals identify the damage correctly as soon as possible. A failure to diagnose the full nature and extent of a tear can mean that an inadequate repair takes place, or no repair at all, leaving the woman to suffer on-going symptoms.
Claiming compensation
If you or a loved one have been the victim of negligent care of a severe birth tear, contact a specialist solicitor.
If negligent medical care has caused on-going symptoms and financial losses, which would not have been the case with an acceptable level of care, you are legally entitled to claim compensation.
Speak to a specialist
Contact Glynns Solicitors. We are a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with extensive experience of childbirth tear compensation claims.
Contact us today to talk to a specialist solicitor about the possibility of making a claim for compensation.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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